Woodstock singer Havens, 72, dies of heart attack

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Richie Havens, who sang and strummed for a sea of people at Woodstock, has died at 72.

His family says in a statement that Havens died Monday of a heart attack.

Havens, a folk singer and guitarist, performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. He returned to the site during the 40th anniversary in 2009.

The performer was born in Brooklyn. He was known for his crafty guitar work and cover songs.

Havens said in a 2009 interview with The Associated Press about Woodstock: "Everything in my life, and so many others', is attached to that train."

A public memorial will be planned for a later date.

In this Dec. 1975 file photo, musicians Roger McGuinn, Joni Mitchell, Richie Havens, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform the finale of the The Rolling Thunder Revue, a tour headed by Dylan. Havens, who sang and strummed for a sea of people at Woodstock, has died at 72. His family says in a statement that Havens died Monday, April 22, 2013, of a heart attack.AP Photo, File